Ravichandran Ashwin compares Rajat Patidar-Virat Kohli relationship to Ramayan as RCB wins IPL 2026
A Testament to Selfless Leadership
The 2026 Indian Premier League season concluded with a crowning achievement for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who successfully defended their title with a commanding victory over the Gujarat Titans. While the scoreboard reflects a five-wicket win, the internal dynamics of the team, specifically the bond between current captain Rajat Patidar and the legendary Virat Kohli, have captured the imagination of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. It was in this context that seasoned cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin provided a profound analogy, noting that Ravichandran Ashwin compares Rajat Patidar-Virat Kohli relationship to Ramayan a testament to the mutual respect defining this championship side.
The Ramayan Parallel
During a candid discussion on his YouTube channel, Ashwin highlighted a pivotal moment during the team huddle just before the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. As the team prepared to take the field to defend a target of 156, it was Virat Kohli who stepped forward to motivate the squad. Remarkably, Rajat Patidar consciously stepped back, allowing the former captain to take charge of the leadership duties. Ashwin likened this gesture to the devotion shown by Bharat in the Ramayan, where he carried the slippers of Lord Ram as a symbol of reverence and duty.
“The partnership is like, ‘Big brother, you take care of the team, I’m just the captain.’ You run this team, but I will just be the leader. Like what Bharat did with Ram’s slippers in Ramayan, Rajat did that here,” Ashwin explained. This dynamic illustrates a rare maturity in modern sports, where the official title of captain does not overshadow the natural leadership presence of a teammate.
Kohli’s Alpha Influence
Ashwin further elaborated on why this relationship works so effectively. He noted that regardless of who is wearing the captain’s armband, Virat Kohli remains a central, authoritative figure within any dressing room. According to the veteran spinner, Kohli acts as an “alpha” personality whose energy and intensity naturally command the respect of his peers. Patidar’s ability to recognize and embrace this influence allowed the team to function with a singular, unified focus during the high-pressure environment of a final.
IPL 2026 Final Breakdown
The final itself was a masterclass in controlled aggression. After restricting the Gujarat Titans to 155/8, RCB approached the chase with calculated precision. While Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to field, the early stages of the bowling attack were not without their challenges. Ashwin pointed out a tactical misstep in the initial over delivered by Jacob Duffy, which cost 13 runs. However, the bowling unit quickly corrected their trajectory.
Rasikh Dar Salam proved to be the standout performer with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3/27, while the seasoned duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood chipped in with two wickets apiece to dismantle the GT lineup. The successful restriction of the Titans set the stage for a spectacular batting display.
A Historic Chase
When it came time to chase, Virat Kohli showcased why he is considered one of the greatest chasers in the history of the sport. Unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls, Kohli displayed a strike rate of 165.84, reaching his fifty in a mere 25 deliveries. His partnership with Tim David ensured that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru crossed the finish line in just 18 overs, securing their second consecutive IPL title. Kohli concluded his tournament with an outstanding tally of 675 runs at an average of 56.25, reinforcing his status as the beating heart of the Bengaluru franchise. Ultimately, the synergy between the leadership of Patidar and the experience of Kohli proved to be the winning formula that kept the trophy in Bengaluru for another year.
